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The Penniless Debutante
Almost destitute
When she inherits a fortune!
The will that sees Aurelia Croome become wealthy forbids her from marrying the new Lord Tregowan. That wouldn’t be a concern if the only man to catch Aurelia’s eye during her first Season wasn’t Maximilian Penrose— Lord Tregowan ! Why is it that no one else has Max’s honor, wit or tantalizing good looks? The specter of being poor again haunts her—but the thought of sacrificing passion for comfort is just as terrifying!
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Lady Tregowan's Will Three penniless half sisters. An unexpected inheritance. A year to wed.
Book 1: The Rags-to-Riches Governess
Book 2: The Cinderella Heiress
Book 3: The Penniless Debutante
When she inherits a fortune!
The will that sees Aurelia Croome become wealthy forbids her from marrying the new Lord Tregowan. That wouldn’t be a concern if the only man to catch Aurelia’s eye during her first Season wasn’t Maximilian Penrose— Lord Tregowan ! Why is it that no one else has Max’s honor, wit or tantalizing good looks? The specter of being poor again haunts her—but the thought of sacrificing passion for comfort is just as terrifying!
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Lady Tregowan's Will Three penniless half sisters. An unexpected inheritance. A year to wed.
Book 1: The Rags-to-Riches Governess
Book 2: The Cinderella Heiress
Book 3: The Penniless Debutante
280 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 26, 2021
11 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Janice Preston
84 books152 followersI grew up in Wembley, North London, with a love of reading, writing stories and animals. After leaving school at eighteen, I moved to Devon and any thoughts of writing became lost in the hectic rush of life as a farmer’s wife, with two children and many animals to care for. When my children left home for university, I discovered a love of history and of the Regency period in particular and began to write seriously for the first time since my teens.
Real life then got in the way and I didn't write again until 2009. I joined the Romantic Novelists' Association in 2012 and my first Regency romance was accepted for publication by Harlequin Mills & Boon in late 2013.
I now live in the West Midlands with my second husband and two cats and I continue to write Regency romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon.
Real life then got in the way and I didn't write again until 2009. I joined the Romantic Novelists' Association in 2012 and my first Regency romance was accepted for publication by Harlequin Mills & Boon in late 2013.
I now live in the West Midlands with my second husband and two cats and I continue to write Regency romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 3, 2021
4.5 stars
The Penniless Debutante is book 3 of the Lady Tregowan’s Will series of historical romances. Three young woman are drawn together at the reading of Lady Tregowan’s will; they discover that they are half-sisters.
This is the story of Aurelia, the penniless daughter of a milliner. The timing of the will gives Aurelia opportunities she could only dream of; however, the will has stipulations for the inheritors which will test Aurelia to her limits.
Max Penrose, the Earl of Tregowan, has been crushed by the news that he won’t be inheriting from the will of the late Lady Tregowan. He had planned to use the money to pull himself and his estate out of debt while supporting his mother and sister. He’s left completely puzzled by the late changes to the will.
On a coach to London Max is distracted from his troubles by a young woman, but he believes that she has secrets about herself; these become very apparent when they arrive in London and Max is shocked by what he learns.
A lovely finale to this trilogy, I have read about Aurelia in the stories about her two half-sisters and I was eager to read her tale. She had quite a battle with her conscience before she settled with what made her happiest. I have enjoyed the whole series, and the stories are ideal books to read for a bit of afternoon escapism.
The Penniless Debutante is book 3 of the Lady Tregowan’s Will series of historical romances. Three young woman are drawn together at the reading of Lady Tregowan’s will; they discover that they are half-sisters.
This is the story of Aurelia, the penniless daughter of a milliner. The timing of the will gives Aurelia opportunities she could only dream of; however, the will has stipulations for the inheritors which will test Aurelia to her limits.
Max Penrose, the Earl of Tregowan, has been crushed by the news that he won’t be inheriting from the will of the late Lady Tregowan. He had planned to use the money to pull himself and his estate out of debt while supporting his mother and sister. He’s left completely puzzled by the late changes to the will.
On a coach to London Max is distracted from his troubles by a young woman, but he believes that she has secrets about herself; these become very apparent when they arrive in London and Max is shocked by what he learns.
A lovely finale to this trilogy, I have read about Aurelia in the stories about her two half-sisters and I was eager to read her tale. She had quite a battle with her conscience before she settled with what made her happiest. I have enjoyed the whole series, and the stories are ideal books to read for a bit of afternoon escapism.
October 7, 2021
The Penniless Debutante (Mills & Boon Historical) is the third and final book in the Lady Tregowan's Will trilogy by Janice Preston. Although it can be read as a stand-alone book I think you will enjoy it more if you read the other books first. Their story as sisters culminates with them having their happy endings together in this final book. It really is a wonderful ending to what has been a wonderful series.
Three women, half-sisters unknown to each other find themselves wealthy women after they inherit money from the widow of their shared father. There is one condition, they must have a season in London and find a husband. If they choose not to then they will still have a small allowance, and a home so whatever they decide they will be much better off than they currently are.
In the first book, we heard Leah's story, in the second we heard Beatrice Fothergill's story. This is Aurelia Croome's story. She was nearly destitute by the time she learned of her inheritance. So destitute that she even let prostitution cross her mind. Finding out that she had been left enough money to make her a wealthy woman was like a miracle. Of course, she would need to find a husband in order to satisfy the stipulation of the will. She didn't think that would be too difficult, at least she hoped it wouldn't.
One of the first men that she encounters in London, unknown to her is the man who should have been the rightful heir to the money she and her sisters have been bequeathed. Maximilian Penrose - the new Lord Tregowan and she literally bump into each other outside their solicitor's offices. There is an instant attraction between them but once Aurelia realises who Max is she knows that the attraction shouldn't go any further. He is the heir, and it is another stipulation of the will that none of the sisters can marry him. It is so difficult to stay away from him though, but the thought of losing her inheritance and security is always at the forefront of her mind, she can't choose a future with Max over that security as much as she would love to.
Poor Max has no idea why the will was changed leaving him with very little. He is hurt, and he is angry too. He needed the money desperately and now he has to marry an heiress with a large dowry. He always wanted to marry for love, but it seems that isn't in the cards for him.
I thoroughly enjoyed Aurelia and Max's story. Not only did I enjoy their romance but it was good to finally get some answers about Max. It was also wonderful to read about the sisters finally being together and how close they were from the very start. The series was truly wonderful and I am smiling now just remembering it. It is definitely worth reading.
Three women, half-sisters unknown to each other find themselves wealthy women after they inherit money from the widow of their shared father. There is one condition, they must have a season in London and find a husband. If they choose not to then they will still have a small allowance, and a home so whatever they decide they will be much better off than they currently are.
In the first book, we heard Leah's story, in the second we heard Beatrice Fothergill's story. This is Aurelia Croome's story. She was nearly destitute by the time she learned of her inheritance. So destitute that she even let prostitution cross her mind. Finding out that she had been left enough money to make her a wealthy woman was like a miracle. Of course, she would need to find a husband in order to satisfy the stipulation of the will. She didn't think that would be too difficult, at least she hoped it wouldn't.
One of the first men that she encounters in London, unknown to her is the man who should have been the rightful heir to the money she and her sisters have been bequeathed. Maximilian Penrose - the new Lord Tregowan and she literally bump into each other outside their solicitor's offices. There is an instant attraction between them but once Aurelia realises who Max is she knows that the attraction shouldn't go any further. He is the heir, and it is another stipulation of the will that none of the sisters can marry him. It is so difficult to stay away from him though, but the thought of losing her inheritance and security is always at the forefront of her mind, she can't choose a future with Max over that security as much as she would love to.
Poor Max has no idea why the will was changed leaving him with very little. He is hurt, and he is angry too. He needed the money desperately and now he has to marry an heiress with a large dowry. He always wanted to marry for love, but it seems that isn't in the cards for him.
I thoroughly enjoyed Aurelia and Max's story. Not only did I enjoy their romance but it was good to finally get some answers about Max. It was also wonderful to read about the sisters finally being together and how close they were from the very start. The series was truly wonderful and I am smiling now just remembering it. It is definitely worth reading.
September 24, 2021
This is the third and last book in the Lady Tregowan’s Will series.
Lady Tregowan’s late husband fathered children on three women other than his wife, who couldn’t conceive. Three girls were the results of those affairs and each mother was married off to a man in need of money (i.e. bribe). Lady Sarah Tregowan, seeking to help these young women disinherited her husband’s heir of everything except the entailed property and bequeathed her fortune and property to the three half-sisters upon her death. There are more details to the reasons behind the changes to her Will which I won’t disclose here (you’ll have to read the book to find those out!).
The Will has some conditions attached to it, one of which is that none of the girls can marry the current Lord Tregowan and if they do, or if they don’t marry at all, they lose their share of the inheritance which will then be shared by the other two sisters. Unfortunately, Aurelia, the middle sister, physically bumps into Lord Tregowan on the pavement outside their solicitor’s office and the attraction is immediate and mutual.
Aurelia was almost destitute when she received news of her good fortune and therefore travels to London immediately upon receiving notice of her inheritance. She is the first of the sisters to arrive in London for the Season (one of the conditions of the Will is the sisters have to complete one Season in London and marry). This book runs concurrent with the first two books so as each sister arrives at the London town house, we see scenes from the previous stories but told from Aurelia’s POV. And…we see scenes that we only saw from other POVs in books one and two.
I loved this book. Max (the current Lord Tregowan) stole my heart right from the beginning when he suggests eating cheese and apple together – one of my favourite snacks! Aurelia is a very strong character and a wonderful heroine, and possibly the most interesting of the three sisters, at least in my opinion.
Ms Preston’s characters are always well-drawn and those in The Penniless Debutante are no exception. I adore her writing, it is always top-notch and this book wraps up the trilogy perfectly.
Full disclosure: I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest review.
Lady Tregowan’s late husband fathered children on three women other than his wife, who couldn’t conceive. Three girls were the results of those affairs and each mother was married off to a man in need of money (i.e. bribe). Lady Sarah Tregowan, seeking to help these young women disinherited her husband’s heir of everything except the entailed property and bequeathed her fortune and property to the three half-sisters upon her death. There are more details to the reasons behind the changes to her Will which I won’t disclose here (you’ll have to read the book to find those out!).
The Will has some conditions attached to it, one of which is that none of the girls can marry the current Lord Tregowan and if they do, or if they don’t marry at all, they lose their share of the inheritance which will then be shared by the other two sisters. Unfortunately, Aurelia, the middle sister, physically bumps into Lord Tregowan on the pavement outside their solicitor’s office and the attraction is immediate and mutual.
Aurelia was almost destitute when she received news of her good fortune and therefore travels to London immediately upon receiving notice of her inheritance. She is the first of the sisters to arrive in London for the Season (one of the conditions of the Will is the sisters have to complete one Season in London and marry). This book runs concurrent with the first two books so as each sister arrives at the London town house, we see scenes from the previous stories but told from Aurelia’s POV. And…we see scenes that we only saw from other POVs in books one and two.
I loved this book. Max (the current Lord Tregowan) stole my heart right from the beginning when he suggests eating cheese and apple together – one of my favourite snacks! Aurelia is a very strong character and a wonderful heroine, and possibly the most interesting of the three sisters, at least in my opinion.
Ms Preston’s characters are always well-drawn and those in The Penniless Debutante are no exception. I adore her writing, it is always top-notch and this book wraps up the trilogy perfectly.
Full disclosure: I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest review.
January 4, 2022
Terrific conclusion to the series. The book opens as Aurelia discovers the existence of two half-sisters and an unexpected inheritance. The news of the inheritance comes as a great relief as Aurelia contemplates selling herself to keep body and soul together. As she has no affairs to get in order, she intends to go directly to London and begin to fulfill the requirements of the will: spend the Season in London, marry by the end of the Season, and stay away from the new Lord Tregowan.
The latter proves to be the most difficult. She first encountered Max at the lawyer's office the day she learned of her inheritance - and that Max had been disinherited. We see Max's bewilderment and bitterness as he'd counted on those funds to help his estate. Though Aurelia knows who he is, Max has no idea that the woman he nearly knocked over was one of those at the root of his problems. Complicating matters, they shared the same mail-coach on the way to London, giving Aurelia the chance to get to know him a little bit. Shared food and a little conversation, and it's easy to see that a connection formed between them.
I liked both Aurelia and Max. Aurelia had a difficult childhood, her mother having been married off to the first man who would take her after she became pregnant by her employer. Her "father" was a wastrel who ran through the money he was paid and took out his resentment on Aurelia and her mother. It's no surprise that she has a poor opinion of "gentlemen" and vows never to marry one. Early on, it is evident that Aurelia is forthright, feisty, and practical. Having been barely scraping by for so long, she is determined to do nothing to put her inheritance at risk. I enjoyed her arrival in London and watching her settle into her new life. There are some amusing instances as she and her chaperone, Mrs. Butterby, butt heads over what is deemed suitable. I liked seeing Aurelia stand up for the things that are important to her. During this time, she has a few more encounters with Max, even after she confesses to the prohibition that keeps them apart. As an heiress, Aurelia draws a great deal of attention from the eligible men, but she is unimpressed by any of them. Most of them live down to her expectations. Unfortunately, the only one who appeals she can't have.
Max is a terrific man. He is intelligent, handsome, and honorable. He is also caught in a difficult situation. Because his father was an inveterate gambler, Max was stuck with a crumbling estate and nothing to support it with. Lady Tregowan had promised that he would inherit when she passed, so he took out a loan on those expectations, attempting to repair his home and bring the mine that supports it back into production. Losing the inheritance was a bitter blow, especially as his mother and sister are due to arrive any time. He has no choice but to make a practical marriage, which goes against everything he wants and believes in. I had to laugh at Max's conversations with his friend Simon (who needs his own story!) as Simon does everything he can to help Max find the right dowry to marry.
I ached for Max and Aurelia, whose feelings for each other continued to grow despite their best efforts to ignore them. The sparks between them grow stronger, too, and harder to resist. Max is a little more honest about his feelings and willing to consider giving up the quest for a rich wife to have the woman he wants. But Aurelia fears going back to the days of uncertainty and hunger and remembers the resentment that the lack of funds created in her stepfather. It takes a great deal of soul-searching and advice from a surprising source before Aurelia makes a final decision.
The epilogue was terrific, and I loved seeing all three couples together. It also brought the threads of all three books together to form the final picture of how everything worked out. While I wasn't surprised by what happened, I loved seeing how it was done.
One of the things I thoroughly enjoyed about this series was how the stories took place simultaneously. Many events were the same but told from the perspective of that book's heroine and through that heroine's own experiences.
The latter proves to be the most difficult. She first encountered Max at the lawyer's office the day she learned of her inheritance - and that Max had been disinherited. We see Max's bewilderment and bitterness as he'd counted on those funds to help his estate. Though Aurelia knows who he is, Max has no idea that the woman he nearly knocked over was one of those at the root of his problems. Complicating matters, they shared the same mail-coach on the way to London, giving Aurelia the chance to get to know him a little bit. Shared food and a little conversation, and it's easy to see that a connection formed between them.
I liked both Aurelia and Max. Aurelia had a difficult childhood, her mother having been married off to the first man who would take her after she became pregnant by her employer. Her "father" was a wastrel who ran through the money he was paid and took out his resentment on Aurelia and her mother. It's no surprise that she has a poor opinion of "gentlemen" and vows never to marry one. Early on, it is evident that Aurelia is forthright, feisty, and practical. Having been barely scraping by for so long, she is determined to do nothing to put her inheritance at risk. I enjoyed her arrival in London and watching her settle into her new life. There are some amusing instances as she and her chaperone, Mrs. Butterby, butt heads over what is deemed suitable. I liked seeing Aurelia stand up for the things that are important to her. During this time, she has a few more encounters with Max, even after she confesses to the prohibition that keeps them apart. As an heiress, Aurelia draws a great deal of attention from the eligible men, but she is unimpressed by any of them. Most of them live down to her expectations. Unfortunately, the only one who appeals she can't have.
Max is a terrific man. He is intelligent, handsome, and honorable. He is also caught in a difficult situation. Because his father was an inveterate gambler, Max was stuck with a crumbling estate and nothing to support it with. Lady Tregowan had promised that he would inherit when she passed, so he took out a loan on those expectations, attempting to repair his home and bring the mine that supports it back into production. Losing the inheritance was a bitter blow, especially as his mother and sister are due to arrive any time. He has no choice but to make a practical marriage, which goes against everything he wants and believes in. I had to laugh at Max's conversations with his friend Simon (who needs his own story!) as Simon does everything he can to help Max find the right dowry to marry.
I ached for Max and Aurelia, whose feelings for each other continued to grow despite their best efforts to ignore them. The sparks between them grow stronger, too, and harder to resist. Max is a little more honest about his feelings and willing to consider giving up the quest for a rich wife to have the woman he wants. But Aurelia fears going back to the days of uncertainty and hunger and remembers the resentment that the lack of funds created in her stepfather. It takes a great deal of soul-searching and advice from a surprising source before Aurelia makes a final decision.
The epilogue was terrific, and I loved seeing all three couples together. It also brought the threads of all three books together to form the final picture of how everything worked out. While I wasn't surprised by what happened, I loved seeing how it was done.
One of the things I thoroughly enjoyed about this series was how the stories took place simultaneously. Many events were the same but told from the perspective of that book's heroine and through that heroine's own experiences.
February 1, 2022
This feels like a bit of a neg, but this was really good for a Harlequin!
Generally, the others I've read have been middling at best, but I enjoyed this one a lot. I really liked both the heroine and the hero—Aurelia is strong-willed and bold, but not to a degree that would be unbelievable for the time period. She's thrown into a wild situation and confronts it with caution and wisdom. Max is thoughtful and good-hearted, and while at first blush he might seem like a jerk, you quickly come to understand why and realize how ill-served he'd been. I also appreciated how much consideration he had not just for Aurelia's reputation but any other women he associated with. I mean, don't get me wrong, an impetuous rake is a lot of fun to read about, but sometimes it's nice to have a dude who doesn't deserve to be slapped at least once a day.
There is a bit of a non-communication issue between them, but it's totally understandable given the scenario. Both of them are trying to protect the other and also their own futures. It does get wrapped up fairly easily and quickly, but this is meant to be a sweet and lighthearted romance, so I didn't mind that much. And while I suppose it was too much to hope that Mrs. Butterby (that's Dickens-level naming right there) wasn't just Sarah Tregowan's "companion" but more of a, you know, gal pal, I'm still choosing to read her as queer because I do what I want.
Also the cat is named Spartacus. *chef's kiss*
Generally, the others I've read have been middling at best, but I enjoyed this one a lot. I really liked both the heroine and the hero—Aurelia is strong-willed and bold, but not to a degree that would be unbelievable for the time period. She's thrown into a wild situation and confronts it with caution and wisdom. Max is thoughtful and good-hearted, and while at first blush he might seem like a jerk, you quickly come to understand why and realize how ill-served he'd been. I also appreciated how much consideration he had not just for Aurelia's reputation but any other women he associated with. I mean, don't get me wrong, an impetuous rake is a lot of fun to read about, but sometimes it's nice to have a dude who doesn't deserve to be slapped at least once a day.
There is a bit of a non-communication issue between them, but it's totally understandable given the scenario. Both of them are trying to protect the other and also their own futures. It does get wrapped up fairly easily and quickly, but this is meant to be a sweet and lighthearted romance, so I didn't mind that much. And while I suppose it was too much to hope that Mrs. Butterby (that's Dickens-level naming right there) wasn't just Sarah Tregowan's "companion" but more of a, you know, gal pal, I'm still choosing to read her as queer because I do what I want.
Also the cat is named Spartacus. *chef's kiss*
October 18, 2021
What a delight!
I devoured this book from the first page. Love the fact that I have already read the stories of Aurelia’s half-sisters in the previous two books in the Lady Tregowan’s Will series – The Rags-To-Riches Governess and The Cinderella Heiress. Perfect escapism from a troubled world, I kept sneaking off to read more and think I should be kept on a constant diet of Janice Preston books, apart from the fact that I would get nothing done. Trademark Preston oh la la sensual scene and a great story. More please.
I devoured this book from the first page. Love the fact that I have already read the stories of Aurelia’s half-sisters in the previous two books in the Lady Tregowan’s Will series – The Rags-To-Riches Governess and The Cinderella Heiress. Perfect escapism from a troubled world, I kept sneaking off to read more and think I should be kept on a constant diet of Janice Preston books, apart from the fact that I would get nothing done. Trademark Preston oh la la sensual scene and a great story. More please.
October 30, 2021
If you’ve ever been so mired in poverty you were uncertain where your next meal would come from, you know you would value financial security very highly. If you suddenly went from that level of poverty to great wealth, you would do everything in your power to protect your new-found riches.
Aurelia, the heroine of the third part of this compelling trilogy by Janice Preston, finds herself in just this position. Starving, humiliated, treated with contempt, in a heartbeat she finds herself heiress to untold wealth. All she has to do to keep it is to follow the stipulations in Lady Tregowan’s will, one of which is that she must not marry the new Lord Tregowan.
And therein lies the rub. Because of all the gentlemen of the ton that she could fall for, the one who catches Aurelia's eye is the very man she cannot have.
Max, Lord Tregowan is a decent man in a quandary. He was led to believe himself Lady Tregowan’s heir, and that led him to take business risks he might otherwise have avoided. Not unreasonably, he is furious at having been cheated of his inheritance and determines to figure out how the ladies in question have stolen it. The very last thing he wants or needs is an attraction to one of these ladies.
The pair have some difficult decisions to make, about themselves and their dreams, their futures and their priorities.
The story was well written and had me guessing and second-guessing the action throughout. I could not see how this circle could be squared, how they could have what they truly wanted without sacrificing far too much. It kept me turning pages and reading, “just one more chapter,” when I really should have turned out the light and gone to sleep. Although the ending was not any of the scenarios I had envisioned, it was absolutely perfect, satisfying, and the only way the story could realistically finish.
I am sorry that the trilogy is now finished, because I have grown to love these people and I hate the idea that they'll no longer be popping up in my reading life. On the other hand, I am looking forward to Ms Preston's next story.
Aurelia, the heroine of the third part of this compelling trilogy by Janice Preston, finds herself in just this position. Starving, humiliated, treated with contempt, in a heartbeat she finds herself heiress to untold wealth. All she has to do to keep it is to follow the stipulations in Lady Tregowan’s will, one of which is that she must not marry the new Lord Tregowan.
And therein lies the rub. Because of all the gentlemen of the ton that she could fall for, the one who catches Aurelia's eye is the very man she cannot have.
Max, Lord Tregowan is a decent man in a quandary. He was led to believe himself Lady Tregowan’s heir, and that led him to take business risks he might otherwise have avoided. Not unreasonably, he is furious at having been cheated of his inheritance and determines to figure out how the ladies in question have stolen it. The very last thing he wants or needs is an attraction to one of these ladies.
The pair have some difficult decisions to make, about themselves and their dreams, their futures and their priorities.
The story was well written and had me guessing and second-guessing the action throughout. I could not see how this circle could be squared, how they could have what they truly wanted without sacrificing far too much. It kept me turning pages and reading, “just one more chapter,” when I really should have turned out the light and gone to sleep. Although the ending was not any of the scenarios I had envisioned, it was absolutely perfect, satisfying, and the only way the story could realistically finish.
I am sorry that the trilogy is now finished, because I have grown to love these people and I hate the idea that they'll no longer be popping up in my reading life. On the other hand, I am looking forward to Ms Preston's next story.
October 29, 2021
The Penniless Debutante is the third and **sobs loudly** final book in the tantalising Lady Tregowan’s Will series, this has been such a wonderful series we have met three amazing young women who aftershocks and drama and seen them grow in confidence and in love before our ours, it has been a real joy to have been able to follow their stories. Each book can be easily read as stand-alone’s, but I would say read them in order for no other reason than this series is so gorgeous why wouldn’t you want to read all three?
The Lady Tregowan’s Will series tells the stories of three women, Beatrice, Thea and Aurelia, each one has found themselves down on their luck in one way or another, each trapped in their rut with no guiding light to show them the way out. That is until each receives a mysterious letter and invitation to a will hear. An appointment which will change their entires lives, as they find that the lives that they have lived haven’t been altogether true, lies have swirled around their lives since birth. They find that the three of them are sisters and that they have inherited a fortune – but with a few rules, one of the being they must marry within the first year and they can’t. I repeat CANNOT marry the current Lord Tregowan. Grrrr
I have loved all three books, each one has woven a magical spell over me, but even after this, I do still love Beatrice and Jack, from the second book; The Cinderella Heiress. Jack had me from the start and after seeing him progress from that book at the end of this one I love him all the more. If you follow my reviews you will have an inkling why I adore that man as much as I do.
In this last book, we follow the third sister Aurelia who after her mother dies and is tossed unceremoniously out onto the streets she is literally starving and destitute. This inheritance couldn’t have come at a better time for her, she is literally contemplating prostitution as a way to make ends meet. I really felt for Aurelia she is by far the shabbiest and most in need of the three women, she has very little but her pride to keep her warm, I instantly liked her, she has strength hidden behind her vulnerability.
I thought it was very clever how Ms Preston wove scenes from the previous two books into this one, but with the scene playing out through Aurelia’s eyes, it’s a brilliant piece of writing and shows what a great writer Janice Preston is.
I loved the epilogue, it was a great ending, despite feeling saddened that it is the end of a wonderful series I felt it was a perfect way to leave the sisters. I do hope we meet them again sometime in the future, it would be wonderful to see how they are doing in ten years time (hint, hint).
I really love the choice Aurelia makes at the end – I won’t say too much as it would give far to much away, but in a few words she follows her heart and her love for her man instead of doing what is expected of her and that speaks far more about her character than anything else, she grows before your eyes from a fragile and starved little girl to a determined passionate woman.
Aurelia and Max is such an adorable couple, their romance isn’t a boom right let’s have a good old romp behind the bike sheds sort of thing. No, theirs is far sweeter, it’s a little flirty and completely endearing. I love how as they get to know each other their ‘true’ personalities come out for all to see. Max for example at first came across as one thing but the more Aurelia peeled back the layers the more we saw his gentleness behind the mask, I love how the author draws you in and makes you become fully invested in the characters with her flawless character development. I thoroughly loved getting to know both Aurelia and Max, they fit perfect;y together like a pair of well-made leather gloves.
Seeing as Aurelia has fallen for one Max Penrose – the current Lord Tregowan, you know this is going to spark some real frustration and emotional drama between our lovely couple. It is by absolute chance that she meets the man who will haunt her dreams and make her heart stomp a marching beat in her chest, Max Penrose is a gentleman with a rougher edge. A man who is out of her league and out of her reach for who is his, but that doesn’t stop the mutual attraction between the two, whether they like it or not the sparks fly around them.
This is historical romance and you know that they will eventually have their happily ever after, but at times with all the barriers between Max and Aurelia I did wonder if they would actually reach that elusive happiness, Ms Preston made not just the reader but also the characters work hard for that much desired happily ever after and it was well worth the wait.
The Penniless Debutante is enchanting! It’s charming and romantic, you will be swept up in the tide of emotion from the first page, it will leave you with a warm glow surrounding your heart.
The Lady Tregowan’s Will series tells the stories of three women, Beatrice, Thea and Aurelia, each one has found themselves down on their luck in one way or another, each trapped in their rut with no guiding light to show them the way out. That is until each receives a mysterious letter and invitation to a will hear. An appointment which will change their entires lives, as they find that the lives that they have lived haven’t been altogether true, lies have swirled around their lives since birth. They find that the three of them are sisters and that they have inherited a fortune – but with a few rules, one of the being they must marry within the first year and they can’t. I repeat CANNOT marry the current Lord Tregowan. Grrrr
I have loved all three books, each one has woven a magical spell over me, but even after this, I do still love Beatrice and Jack, from the second book; The Cinderella Heiress. Jack had me from the start and after seeing him progress from that book at the end of this one I love him all the more. If you follow my reviews you will have an inkling why I adore that man as much as I do.
In this last book, we follow the third sister Aurelia who after her mother dies and is tossed unceremoniously out onto the streets she is literally starving and destitute. This inheritance couldn’t have come at a better time for her, she is literally contemplating prostitution as a way to make ends meet. I really felt for Aurelia she is by far the shabbiest and most in need of the three women, she has very little but her pride to keep her warm, I instantly liked her, she has strength hidden behind her vulnerability.
I thought it was very clever how Ms Preston wove scenes from the previous two books into this one, but with the scene playing out through Aurelia’s eyes, it’s a brilliant piece of writing and shows what a great writer Janice Preston is.
I loved the epilogue, it was a great ending, despite feeling saddened that it is the end of a wonderful series I felt it was a perfect way to leave the sisters. I do hope we meet them again sometime in the future, it would be wonderful to see how they are doing in ten years time (hint, hint).
I really love the choice Aurelia makes at the end – I won’t say too much as it would give far to much away, but in a few words she follows her heart and her love for her man instead of doing what is expected of her and that speaks far more about her character than anything else, she grows before your eyes from a fragile and starved little girl to a determined passionate woman.
Aurelia and Max is such an adorable couple, their romance isn’t a boom right let’s have a good old romp behind the bike sheds sort of thing. No, theirs is far sweeter, it’s a little flirty and completely endearing. I love how as they get to know each other their ‘true’ personalities come out for all to see. Max for example at first came across as one thing but the more Aurelia peeled back the layers the more we saw his gentleness behind the mask, I love how the author draws you in and makes you become fully invested in the characters with her flawless character development. I thoroughly loved getting to know both Aurelia and Max, they fit perfect;y together like a pair of well-made leather gloves.
Seeing as Aurelia has fallen for one Max Penrose – the current Lord Tregowan, you know this is going to spark some real frustration and emotional drama between our lovely couple. It is by absolute chance that she meets the man who will haunt her dreams and make her heart stomp a marching beat in her chest, Max Penrose is a gentleman with a rougher edge. A man who is out of her league and out of her reach for who is his, but that doesn’t stop the mutual attraction between the two, whether they like it or not the sparks fly around them.
This is historical romance and you know that they will eventually have their happily ever after, but at times with all the barriers between Max and Aurelia I did wonder if they would actually reach that elusive happiness, Ms Preston made not just the reader but also the characters work hard for that much desired happily ever after and it was well worth the wait.
The Penniless Debutante is enchanting! It’s charming and romantic, you will be swept up in the tide of emotion from the first page, it will leave you with a warm glow surrounding your heart.
October 30, 2021
Janice Preston’s ‘Lady Tregowan’s Will’ series ends with the story of Aurelia Croome, who finds herself removed from her life of poverty through the inheritance, but stumbles into potential trouble when she meets, and begins to fall for Max Penrose, the current Lord Tregowan, otherwise known as the one man the sisters are forbidden to marry in order to claim their share of the will.
One of the interesting concepts of this story is that, although it is book three in the series, Aurelia is actually the first of the sisters to arrive in London, and, having read the first two books (although the story works perfectly well as a stand-alone), it is nice to see what Aurelia was doing before the others arrived and to get to know her character independently of the other members of the family.
Aurelia’s journey to London with Max is both a good plot device for the characters to form a connection and an entertaining opening section to the story as Aurelia is in full knowledge of who Max is in relation to the will, whilst Max is blissfully ignorant as to where is travelling companion is going. As the two begin to bond, the reader becomes almost immediately invested in the pair and you quickly start wondering how the caveats of the inheritance could be circumvented in the pursuit of a happy ending, and it is thanks to Janice Preston’s excellent writing and plot-pacing that, whilst we are aware of the implications of Aurelia falling for Max, we still look forward to them overcoming the obstacles and finding a way to make things work.
A strength of Janice Preston’s writing over this series has been to see some of the scenes from the other books played out from Aurelia’s point of view in this book, and it is good to see Leah and Dolph’s marriage and Beatrice and Jack’s romance emerging through different eyes and both events then force Aurelia to consider what she wants from life. Given her brush with destitution prior to finding out about the will, it is understandable that she is wary of giving up her new found comfort for a future with Max, but the author provides her characters with plenty of food for thought throughout, and, whilst a happy ending seems somewhat improbable at times, it is heartwarming to watch the growth of both Max and Aurelia as the story develops.
One of the things I loved most about this story was it’s message that sometimes love does conquer all, and as we head towards the conclusion there is still doubt as to whether Aurelia can find her happy ever after with Max, but the wonderfully romantic scenes between them as the pair fight their feelings give hope and leave you smiling as Aurelia starts to realise that being happy is her goal, and, having found her sisters and seeing them happy, she realises that giving up Max is not going to make her happy in the end.
As always, there are some entertaining secondary characters who add so much to the story including the delightful Mrs. Butterby (the unsung hero of all three books), Mr and Mrs Austerly, and the scene stealing Simon Effingham who really needs his own book at some point. The characters we have met in the previous books all add to the plot, and along with Max and Aurelia create a memorable London Season.
A fitting conclusion to a wonderful series, ‘The Penniless Debutante’ is another delightful book from Janice Preston filled with romance, humour, emotional moments and memorable characters who capture your heart, and which compels you to keep reading to the very end.
One of the interesting concepts of this story is that, although it is book three in the series, Aurelia is actually the first of the sisters to arrive in London, and, having read the first two books (although the story works perfectly well as a stand-alone), it is nice to see what Aurelia was doing before the others arrived and to get to know her character independently of the other members of the family.
Aurelia’s journey to London with Max is both a good plot device for the characters to form a connection and an entertaining opening section to the story as Aurelia is in full knowledge of who Max is in relation to the will, whilst Max is blissfully ignorant as to where is travelling companion is going. As the two begin to bond, the reader becomes almost immediately invested in the pair and you quickly start wondering how the caveats of the inheritance could be circumvented in the pursuit of a happy ending, and it is thanks to Janice Preston’s excellent writing and plot-pacing that, whilst we are aware of the implications of Aurelia falling for Max, we still look forward to them overcoming the obstacles and finding a way to make things work.
A strength of Janice Preston’s writing over this series has been to see some of the scenes from the other books played out from Aurelia’s point of view in this book, and it is good to see Leah and Dolph’s marriage and Beatrice and Jack’s romance emerging through different eyes and both events then force Aurelia to consider what she wants from life. Given her brush with destitution prior to finding out about the will, it is understandable that she is wary of giving up her new found comfort for a future with Max, but the author provides her characters with plenty of food for thought throughout, and, whilst a happy ending seems somewhat improbable at times, it is heartwarming to watch the growth of both Max and Aurelia as the story develops.
One of the things I loved most about this story was it’s message that sometimes love does conquer all, and as we head towards the conclusion there is still doubt as to whether Aurelia can find her happy ever after with Max, but the wonderfully romantic scenes between them as the pair fight their feelings give hope and leave you smiling as Aurelia starts to realise that being happy is her goal, and, having found her sisters and seeing them happy, she realises that giving up Max is not going to make her happy in the end.
As always, there are some entertaining secondary characters who add so much to the story including the delightful Mrs. Butterby (the unsung hero of all three books), Mr and Mrs Austerly, and the scene stealing Simon Effingham who really needs his own book at some point. The characters we have met in the previous books all add to the plot, and along with Max and Aurelia create a memorable London Season.
A fitting conclusion to a wonderful series, ‘The Penniless Debutante’ is another delightful book from Janice Preston filled with romance, humour, emotional moments and memorable characters who capture your heart, and which compels you to keep reading to the very end.
October 18, 2021
🧵 The Penniless Debutante 🧵
Lady Tregowan's Will Book 3
✒️ Janice Preston
https://www.facebook.com/janice.prest...
Release Date 10/26/2021
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09167RHD3/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Almost destitute
When she inherits a fortune!
The will that sees Aurelia Croome become wealthy forbids her from marrying the new Lord Tregowan. That wouldn’t be a concern if the only man to catch Aurelia’s eye during her first Season wasn’t Maximilian Penrose—Lord Tregowan! Why is it that no one else has Max’s honor, wit or tantalizing good looks? The specter of being poor again haunts her—but the thought of sacrificing passion for comfort is just as terrifying!
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
Lady Tregowan's Will Three penniless half sisters. An unexpected inheritance. A year to wed.
Book 1: The Rags-to-Riches Governess Book 2: The Cinderella Heiress Book 3: The Penniless Debutante
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will all the wealth of the world keep her warm as time passes …
Fun how the first of the sister to land in London is the last to have her story. At the same time, she needed some moments to get to know the man she is forbidden to marry.
Aurelia has known what it is to be poor and to feel hunger, with this surprising inheritance, she has now the means to never lack in anything, she just need to meet the requisite demand of marrying in the time imparted.
But why does the only man to awaken her interest, is the only one she can not associate with.
She is no shy nor demure miss, she tends to express her opinion and disdains everything related to peers, their easy life and style. Still relying on the man who married her mother for money and dilapidated it and more to only resent them after.
Max should have been the recipient of Aurelia’s bequest, instead, he is still left with a crumbling pile of stone, empty bank accounts and tenants in need of his help. He never lived the idle life of his peers, witnessing his father’s gambling habits, he chose the opposite road, honorable, respectful and a tad romantic. But reality has a way to remind itself when pragmatism is the right choice.
Of the two, he is the one more forward about their feelings, but he esteems too much Aurelia to deprive her of what is now her due.
They are together in a predicament they did not see coming, falling for the one person they can’t have. But will piles of money fill their life like an other person’s presence…
To conclude this trilogy, Mrs Preston gifts us with a lovely tale of seeking what is really worth than wealth.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVKkA1Pjp...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram #bookbirthday
Lady Tregowan's Will Book 3
✒️ Janice Preston
https://www.facebook.com/janice.prest...
Release Date 10/26/2021
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09167RHD3/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Almost destitute
When she inherits a fortune!
The will that sees Aurelia Croome become wealthy forbids her from marrying the new Lord Tregowan. That wouldn’t be a concern if the only man to catch Aurelia’s eye during her first Season wasn’t Maximilian Penrose—Lord Tregowan! Why is it that no one else has Max’s honor, wit or tantalizing good looks? The specter of being poor again haunts her—but the thought of sacrificing passion for comfort is just as terrifying!
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
Lady Tregowan's Will Three penniless half sisters. An unexpected inheritance. A year to wed.
Book 1: The Rags-to-Riches Governess Book 2: The Cinderella Heiress Book 3: The Penniless Debutante
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will all the wealth of the world keep her warm as time passes …
Fun how the first of the sister to land in London is the last to have her story. At the same time, she needed some moments to get to know the man she is forbidden to marry.
Aurelia has known what it is to be poor and to feel hunger, with this surprising inheritance, she has now the means to never lack in anything, she just need to meet the requisite demand of marrying in the time imparted.
But why does the only man to awaken her interest, is the only one she can not associate with.
She is no shy nor demure miss, she tends to express her opinion and disdains everything related to peers, their easy life and style. Still relying on the man who married her mother for money and dilapidated it and more to only resent them after.
Max should have been the recipient of Aurelia’s bequest, instead, he is still left with a crumbling pile of stone, empty bank accounts and tenants in need of his help. He never lived the idle life of his peers, witnessing his father’s gambling habits, he chose the opposite road, honorable, respectful and a tad romantic. But reality has a way to remind itself when pragmatism is the right choice.
Of the two, he is the one more forward about their feelings, but he esteems too much Aurelia to deprive her of what is now her due.
They are together in a predicament they did not see coming, falling for the one person they can’t have. But will piles of money fill their life like an other person’s presence…
To conclude this trilogy, Mrs Preston gifts us with a lovely tale of seeking what is really worth than wealth.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVKkA1Pjp...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram #bookbirthday
November 22, 2022
La vita di Miss Aurelia Croome cambia all’improvviso quando scopre di avere due sorelle e di essere diventata un’ereditiera. Ora, non dovrà più patire la fame o essere vittima delle circostanze. Tuttavia, per ereditare quello che le spetta, deve sposarsi entro un anno. Ma il mondo in cui ora vive, fatto di balli, feste e mezze verità, non è così bello come immaginava. Inoltre, deve anche difendere il proprio patrimonio dai cacciatori di dote.
Lord Maximilian Tregowan è il solo uomo che ha catturato la sua attenzione e l’unico che non potrebbe mai avere. Max si trova in serie difficoltà economiche e la sua unica possibilità è quella di contrarre un matrimonio vantaggioso. Quando conosce Aurelia tra loro scatta subito qualcosa, ma lei è la sola donna che non potrà mai sposare. Saranno disposti a sacrificare i loro sogni in nome del sentimento che li unisce?
I due protagonisti mi sono piaciuti molto, quando ho letto il primo libro e ho conosciuto Aurelia ero un pochino restia nei suoi confronti, perché viene subito dipinta come una donna decisa con pochi peli sulla lingua e che non vede per niente di buon occhio chi appartiene all’aristocrazia. Pensavo, quindi, che sarebbe stata troppo intransigente, oppure sfacciata. Mi sono dovuta ricredere e sono molto contenta di averlo fatto. Aurelia Croome è sì una donna decisa, cauta, intelligente e molto diretta. Tuttavia, non è affatto intransigente o troppo giudicante, la definirei piuttosto diffidente ma senza essere troppo esagerata. Inoltre, la sua storia la porta a evolvere tantissimo e sono felice del percorso che l’autrice le ha fatto intraprendere. È molto legata alle sue sorellastre anche se le ha conosciute da poco, del resto ha avuto un’infanzia difficile e sapere di non essere più sola e di non doversi più preoccupare per il futuro è per lei fonte di grande conforto.
Lord Maximilian Tregowan non è il classico aristocratico che ti aspetti, anche lui ha alle spalle un passato difficile e anche se si trova in ristrettezze economiche e con non pochi problemi si comporta da perfetto galantuomo. Il suo personaggio mi è piaciuto molto, ha un carattere focoso e passionale, ma è un uomo molto buono e, soprattutto, giusto.
La loro storia d’amore procede per gradi, senza affrettare troppo le tappe e senza lasciare troppo il lettore sulle spine. Ho apprezzato molto il fatto che, a un certo punto, entrambi prendono reale coscienza del sentimento che li unisce. Come avrete potuto intuire avranno non pochi ostacoli da superare e dovranno contare sulla forza del loro amore.
La trama procede in modo lineare ma accattivate. Ho apprezzato tantissimo vedere anche le altre due coppie, Dolph e Leah e Jack e Beatrice. Ho avuto modo di curiosare nelle loro vite dopo sposate e mi ha fatto davvero piacere.
L’epilogo, poi, è davvero bello. Mi ha regalato tantissime emozioni e dover dire loro “addio” non è stato semplice perché questa serie è davvero molto carina e godibile.
Lord Maximilian Tregowan è il solo uomo che ha catturato la sua attenzione e l’unico che non potrebbe mai avere. Max si trova in serie difficoltà economiche e la sua unica possibilità è quella di contrarre un matrimonio vantaggioso. Quando conosce Aurelia tra loro scatta subito qualcosa, ma lei è la sola donna che non potrà mai sposare. Saranno disposti a sacrificare i loro sogni in nome del sentimento che li unisce?
I due protagonisti mi sono piaciuti molto, quando ho letto il primo libro e ho conosciuto Aurelia ero un pochino restia nei suoi confronti, perché viene subito dipinta come una donna decisa con pochi peli sulla lingua e che non vede per niente di buon occhio chi appartiene all’aristocrazia. Pensavo, quindi, che sarebbe stata troppo intransigente, oppure sfacciata. Mi sono dovuta ricredere e sono molto contenta di averlo fatto. Aurelia Croome è sì una donna decisa, cauta, intelligente e molto diretta. Tuttavia, non è affatto intransigente o troppo giudicante, la definirei piuttosto diffidente ma senza essere troppo esagerata. Inoltre, la sua storia la porta a evolvere tantissimo e sono felice del percorso che l’autrice le ha fatto intraprendere. È molto legata alle sue sorellastre anche se le ha conosciute da poco, del resto ha avuto un’infanzia difficile e sapere di non essere più sola e di non doversi più preoccupare per il futuro è per lei fonte di grande conforto.
Lord Maximilian Tregowan non è il classico aristocratico che ti aspetti, anche lui ha alle spalle un passato difficile e anche se si trova in ristrettezze economiche e con non pochi problemi si comporta da perfetto galantuomo. Il suo personaggio mi è piaciuto molto, ha un carattere focoso e passionale, ma è un uomo molto buono e, soprattutto, giusto.
La loro storia d’amore procede per gradi, senza affrettare troppo le tappe e senza lasciare troppo il lettore sulle spine. Ho apprezzato molto il fatto che, a un certo punto, entrambi prendono reale coscienza del sentimento che li unisce. Come avrete potuto intuire avranno non pochi ostacoli da superare e dovranno contare sulla forza del loro amore.
La trama procede in modo lineare ma accattivate. Ho apprezzato tantissimo vedere anche le altre due coppie, Dolph e Leah e Jack e Beatrice. Ho avuto modo di curiosare nelle loro vite dopo sposate e mi ha fatto davvero piacere.
L’epilogo, poi, è davvero bello. Mi ha regalato tantissime emozioni e dover dire loro “addio” non è stato semplice perché questa serie è davvero molto carina e godibile.
November 17, 2021
4.5 Stars
Janice Preston enchants and delights her readers once again with her latest evocative and enthralling Regency romance, The Penniless Debutante.
Life for Aurelia Croome is certainly not a bed of roses. Keeping the wolf from the door has become increasingly difficult for Aurelia, who has sadly grown used to going hungry and to not having very much at all. The future looks bleak and uncertain for Aurelia – until she is summoned to a lawyer’s office and is informed that she is now a very wealthy heiress! Aurelia simply cannot believe her luck. It is almost too good to be true that she went from destitute to debutante in the blink of an eye. There is, however, one stipulation that could prevent her from inheriting the substantial sum of money that had reversed her fortunes: she is strictly forbidden from marrying Maximillian Penrose, the new Lord Tregowan!
Finding herself launched into society, Aurelia is introduced to the great and the good of the Ton and is soon being courted by many an eligible bachelor. With the world at her feet, Aurelia can have her pick of husbands, however, the only man who has kindled a spark of interest deep within her is the one man she has been forbidden to marry: Lord Tregowan himself! Still haunted by the abject pain of being poor, Aurelia cannot run the risk of going back to her old life, but steering clear of Max soon proves to be far easier said than done!
Handsome as sin, intelligent, witty and honourable, Max soon gets under Aurelia’s skin and the more time she spends with him, the more she finds herself falling for him. But giving in to her feelings for Max means turning her back on her fortune and condemning herself to a lifetime of anguish and poverty. Torn between her head and heart, Aurelia is faced with an impossible choice. Will she make the right decision? Or will her newfound fortune end up costing her the highest price of all: a lifetime of happiness with Lord Tregowan …
Janice Preston’s The Penniless Debutante is a Regency gem that dazzles readers with a beguiling blend of colourful period detail, beautifully drawn characters, searing emotional intensity and heart-racing romantic intrigue. A compelling and captivating historical tale full of drama, pathos and charm, The Penniless Debutante is an absorbing romance where the stakes have never been higher for the resilient and resourceful heroine and the man she loves with all of her heart whom she simply cannot have.
Janice Preston’s The Penniless Debutante is a spellbinding tale of forbidden passion, illicit desire and everlasting love Regency romance fans will adore.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Janice Preston enchants and delights her readers once again with her latest evocative and enthralling Regency romance, The Penniless Debutante.
Life for Aurelia Croome is certainly not a bed of roses. Keeping the wolf from the door has become increasingly difficult for Aurelia, who has sadly grown used to going hungry and to not having very much at all. The future looks bleak and uncertain for Aurelia – until she is summoned to a lawyer’s office and is informed that she is now a very wealthy heiress! Aurelia simply cannot believe her luck. It is almost too good to be true that she went from destitute to debutante in the blink of an eye. There is, however, one stipulation that could prevent her from inheriting the substantial sum of money that had reversed her fortunes: she is strictly forbidden from marrying Maximillian Penrose, the new Lord Tregowan!
Finding herself launched into society, Aurelia is introduced to the great and the good of the Ton and is soon being courted by many an eligible bachelor. With the world at her feet, Aurelia can have her pick of husbands, however, the only man who has kindled a spark of interest deep within her is the one man she has been forbidden to marry: Lord Tregowan himself! Still haunted by the abject pain of being poor, Aurelia cannot run the risk of going back to her old life, but steering clear of Max soon proves to be far easier said than done!
Handsome as sin, intelligent, witty and honourable, Max soon gets under Aurelia’s skin and the more time she spends with him, the more she finds herself falling for him. But giving in to her feelings for Max means turning her back on her fortune and condemning herself to a lifetime of anguish and poverty. Torn between her head and heart, Aurelia is faced with an impossible choice. Will she make the right decision? Or will her newfound fortune end up costing her the highest price of all: a lifetime of happiness with Lord Tregowan …
Janice Preston’s The Penniless Debutante is a Regency gem that dazzles readers with a beguiling blend of colourful period detail, beautifully drawn characters, searing emotional intensity and heart-racing romantic intrigue. A compelling and captivating historical tale full of drama, pathos and charm, The Penniless Debutante is an absorbing romance where the stakes have never been higher for the resilient and resourceful heroine and the man she loves with all of her heart whom she simply cannot have.
Janice Preston’s The Penniless Debutante is a spellbinding tale of forbidden passion, illicit desire and everlasting love Regency romance fans will adore.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 28, 2021
In this book we meet Aurelia, who unexpectedly gains an inheritance. Although in order to receive it there are certain stipulations. One in particular forbids any marriage to Lord Tregowan. For Aurelia this finally means no more financial worries. As she begins this new life a chance meeting between Aurelia and Maximilian Penrose sends sparks of chemistry flying. Unfortunately for this pair, Max is Lord Tregowan!
Well, this book was such a joy to read! After reading the other two books in series I couldn’t wait to read Aurelia’s story. I was pretty sure I was going to love her character and I was right! Aurelia had a strong and spirited personality which in turn made her such a likeable heroine. The Penniless Debutante can be read as a standalone because you do have mentions of events from the previous books. However if you want to get a proper feel for all the characters then I would suggest starting with The Rags-to-Riches Governess. Plus the entire series really is wonderful!
I thought the chemistry between Aurelia and Max was both sweet and flirty. They have this huge divide of the inheritance between them. Which to be fair was a pretty big barrier but it couldn’t stop me hoping that they would end up with a happy ever after. I thought Janice Preston did a wonderful job of drawing out Max’s personality. At first glance he appeared to be one thing however it soon becomes clear that there is much more to him, which I loved.
I couldn’t have asked for a more charming story to conclude the Lady Tregowan’s Will series. The Penniless Debutante was romantic, engaging and completely heartwarming. Another gorgeous book by Janice Preston, I loved it!
Well, this book was such a joy to read! After reading the other two books in series I couldn’t wait to read Aurelia’s story. I was pretty sure I was going to love her character and I was right! Aurelia had a strong and spirited personality which in turn made her such a likeable heroine. The Penniless Debutante can be read as a standalone because you do have mentions of events from the previous books. However if you want to get a proper feel for all the characters then I would suggest starting with The Rags-to-Riches Governess. Plus the entire series really is wonderful!
I thought the chemistry between Aurelia and Max was both sweet and flirty. They have this huge divide of the inheritance between them. Which to be fair was a pretty big barrier but it couldn’t stop me hoping that they would end up with a happy ever after. I thought Janice Preston did a wonderful job of drawing out Max’s personality. At first glance he appeared to be one thing however it soon becomes clear that there is much more to him, which I loved.
I couldn’t have asked for a more charming story to conclude the Lady Tregowan’s Will series. The Penniless Debutante was romantic, engaging and completely heartwarming. Another gorgeous book by Janice Preston, I loved it!
October 30, 2021
Aurelia Croome is happy to discover she has two half-sisters and an inheritance. Money is very important to Aurelia. She's never had much with a cruel, selfish "father," leaving she and her mother to pay his debts after his death. Alone after her mother's death, she comes close to selling herself to survive. Now with money secure in her life, the disruption of meeting Max, Earl of Tregowan, wasn't in her plans. The one man forbidden for her to marry is the one man who has her heart. Max loves Aurelia, but needing an heiress to help pay his loan, his heart is breaking over not being able to marry her. She needs to marry to keep her inheritance. Will love win after all? I think this book is the most emotional of the three and Aurelia is the most frustrating of the heiresses. Of course there is nothing better than finding a happy ending.
November 24, 2021
As the third book in the series this is the best one. Aurelia had a rough childhood, however there was not much said about it, except what a cruel man her stepfather was. And the struggles she went through after her mother died. Max was not the spoiled aristocrat everyone thought. He had a title, a ailing mother, a beautiful sister, and entailed houses that were falling apart. And no money or inheritance. I liked them both. Their struggles individually brought them together for a HEA.
Instalust was there practically from the first chapter. They really didn't get to know about each other till near the end. Then it got steamy, and cost it a star.
This book brings together the other half-sisters and fills in a few of the gaps. This is not a standalone, and should be read in order with the others in Lady Tregowan's Will. The best part was the epilogue.
Instalust was there practically from the first chapter. They really didn't get to know about each other till near the end. Then it got steamy, and cost it a star.
This book brings together the other half-sisters and fills in a few of the gaps. This is not a standalone, and should be read in order with the others in Lady Tregowan's Will. The best part was the epilogue.
October 12, 2023
Pastaruoju metu norisi pasinerti į meilės romanus. Na, kodėl gi to nepatenkinus? Šis įtraukia į besirutuliojančią meilės istoriją XIX a. Anglijoje. Intrigos įneša netikėtos paveldėtojos, testamento sąlygos, ir, tam tikra prasme, uždrausta meilė. Bet ar tikrai uždrausta? Ir ką galima ryžtis įveikti, su kuo susidurti, kai randi mylimą žmogų? Greitai užsikabinau ir neatsitraukiau. Tik gaila, jau primiršau, kas vyko pirmoje dalyje.
November 24, 2021
Final book in this series and it was baffling at first. I liked the hero but in the first two books he was the name of the man none of the inheriting debutants could marry. The story resolves neatly and it was a treat to see all the other characters again and finally make sense of scenes the previous books left unanswered.
April 4, 2022
This was a well-written, entertaining story. What is a romance if there aren't hard choices thrown into the mix? In this one, that hard choice was between 'poverty and love.' I also liked the closeness between the three newly-found sisters and the lovely way their extended family worked out.
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October 1, 2021Categories
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Sagas, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Lady Tregowan's Will (Book #3)
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Sagas, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Lady Tregowan's Will (Book #3)
February 28, 2022
3.5* A good concluding story in this trilogy series.
April 9, 2022
3.5 stars
Note to self: Don't read the third book first !
Note to self: Don't read the third book first !
September 16, 2022
Awesome ending to the trilogy, just loved every bit. Can't wait to read more by the author
March 29, 2023
Wonderful story
October 28, 2021
This has been such an excellent series and this story rounded it off very nicely. Aurelia, didn’t have a happy childhood and has a distrust of the aristocracy. She is forthright and independent. When she meets Max Penrose, Earl of Tregowen, they have and instant attraction. However, this would lead to breaking the terms of the will and Aurelia has no intentions of being poor again, This would lead to many different meetings, some filled with anger, others heartfelt and some with passion. I enjoyed the strong bond between the half sisters. I just loved the epilogue which tied up all the loose ends.
October 27, 2021
I was so excited to read book 3 in Janice Preston’s latest trilogy; Lady Tregowan’s Will. This trilogy has completely captivated me and I was a little intrigued by the premise of the storyline.
The Penniless Debutante is Aurelia’s story and I think it might be my favourite story of the three but maybe that might be because it feels like a wrapping up/conclusion to this wonderful trilogy that the author has created.
Aurelia I feel is the most spirited and vivacious of the three young women who have recently been thrust together in a world far from their own upbringings. I do feel reading all the books in order will enhance your experience as the characters lives do progress and you also witness how each individual girl copes with the news of their surprising inheritance. One of the conditions of the will is that they must not wed the current Lord Tregowan, no reason has been given to this but if any of the conditions are not met then the recipient will forfeit their portion of the estate. Ironically, Aurelia by chance meets Lord Tregowan on the day that changes her life forever and she’s not quite sure what to make of him as her reaction creates quite a stir within her emotions. Understandably, Lord Tregowan is upset and angry that his inheritance is no more and he’s perplexed to how three complete strangers are now in possession of what he thought was intended for him.
We follow Aurelia as she comes to terms with the changes in her fortune and how she learns more about the mysterious benefactor and also Lord Tregowan.
I loved Aurelia’s character, her feistiness, her beauty and her stubbornness to obey protocol. However, she hid her vulnerability regarding her upbringing and this side of her character gave her doubts concerning men in society. Lord Tregowan was certainly a mystery to begin with but his softer, less sure of himself side was adorable.
A gorgeous Regency romance that was a fitting finale to a glorious trilogy.
The Penniless Debutante is Aurelia’s story and I think it might be my favourite story of the three but maybe that might be because it feels like a wrapping up/conclusion to this wonderful trilogy that the author has created.
Aurelia I feel is the most spirited and vivacious of the three young women who have recently been thrust together in a world far from their own upbringings. I do feel reading all the books in order will enhance your experience as the characters lives do progress and you also witness how each individual girl copes with the news of their surprising inheritance. One of the conditions of the will is that they must not wed the current Lord Tregowan, no reason has been given to this but if any of the conditions are not met then the recipient will forfeit their portion of the estate. Ironically, Aurelia by chance meets Lord Tregowan on the day that changes her life forever and she’s not quite sure what to make of him as her reaction creates quite a stir within her emotions. Understandably, Lord Tregowan is upset and angry that his inheritance is no more and he’s perplexed to how three complete strangers are now in possession of what he thought was intended for him.
We follow Aurelia as she comes to terms with the changes in her fortune and how she learns more about the mysterious benefactor and also Lord Tregowan.
I loved Aurelia’s character, her feistiness, her beauty and her stubbornness to obey protocol. However, she hid her vulnerability regarding her upbringing and this side of her character gave her doubts concerning men in society. Lord Tregowan was certainly a mystery to begin with but his softer, less sure of himself side was adorable.
A gorgeous Regency romance that was a fitting finale to a glorious trilogy.
December 31, 2021
Detailed review to come!
April 24, 2022
The Penniless Debutante
First impressions don't always tell the whole story. Somethings are hidden and cause questions to arise. Some answers are found and others are not.
First impressions don't always tell the whole story. Somethings are hidden and cause questions to arise. Some answers are found and others are not.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews